Fire Damages Apartment Building, Displaces Residents

Fire caused approximately $125,000 damage to a housing cooperative at 244 West Lakelawn Place early this morning. About 34 residents are displaced until damage assessments can be made.

City of Madison firefighters were called to the four story building at 1:13 a.m. When Engine 1 arrived five minutes later they had a large amount of fire showing from the roof of the building. A second alarm was requested to bring more firefighting crews to the scene.

A quick exterior attack was made with the engine's deluge gun while hoselines were pulled to the building. Firefighters then began an interior fire attack and searched the building for any occupants.

Firefighters ventilated smoke from the building and checked for any fire extension in the attic and walls. Madison Gas and Electric responded to the scene to turn off the building's natural gas service.

The American Red Cross is assisting several residents with temporary housing and immediate personal needs. The UW Madison Dean of Students also was on scene to assist several students living in the building.

Everyone escaped the building without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighters remind everyone of these safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, in each bedroom, and outside each bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms every month.
• Make an escape plan and have a fire drill to practice your plan.
• When the alarm sounds, get out and stay out.
• After you have escaped, call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
• Never go back inside the building for any reason.